Some London-based Greek Cypriots, still angry over the 1974 invasion by the Turks, found the adverts offensive, Transport for London (TfL) said.

Many Greek Cypriots say the properties they were driven from are being used as holiday homes.

TfL has turned down a request from the North Cyprus Tourist Board (NCTB) to repeat the adverts.

An appeal by the North Cyprus Tourist Board is being reviewed by TfL.

TfL said: "It's our policy not to run adverts if people complain about them... and to avoid causing offence to any section of society."

The NCTB maintains it is not promoting the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus but trying to promote tourism to an area visited by more than 100,000 Britons last year.

But the Cyprus High Commission said many Greek Cypriots found the promotion offensive.